Sunday, April 20, 2008

I recently finished watching an interesting segment from "Primetime: Live" about a dying teacher's last lecture. In the spirit of looking at life as one big learning experience, it is priceless wisdom...

Saturday, April 05, 2008

I must say that while I am surprised and confused that anyone would pay over $1,000 for a cornflake that is shaped like Illinois (see story here), I am also encouraged.

Why? People refer to the United States as the land of opportunity. But, entrenched in the grind of daily life, I sometimes forget about this. The fact that someone could sell (or auction) a cornflake for such a large amount of money reminds me that anything is possible.

The fact that someone would buy a cornflake shaped like the state of Illinois for over $1,000 also reminds me that some people in this country have a lot of disposable income. If you have a product or service deemed useful to others, you can make some money. Yes, this is possible even in a tough economy.

This realization hits me at a time when I need it. If you build a business based on strong ideas and services, your customers will come. If you sell a product that is compelling, your customers will buy. Every day, all of us have an opportunity to set ourselves apart in one way or another. We are all selling ourselves in one way or another whether it be to our bosses, coworkers, friends or potential mates. We may not realize it, but we are.

So, are you an ordinary cornflake or a cornflake shaped like the state of Illinois?

About

360 Degree Self is a blog designed to explore the things that make us well-rounded individuals. It is also an exploration of some of the things that are important to me - learning, self-improvement, creativity, culture, spirituality and commerce - and how they surround each of us in our lives.
I welcome your comments and feedback.